Fathers in Utah to be required to pay half of pregnancy costs

[DonViejo]

Source: PBS/AP



Health Apr 5, 2021 11:13 AM EDT

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Biological fathers in Utah will be legally required to pay half of a woman’s out-of-pocket pregnancy costs under a new law unique to the state that critics say doesn’t do enough to adequately address maternal healthcare needs.

The bill’s sponsor has presented the measure as an effort to decrease the burden of pregnancy on women and increase responsibility for men who have children. But some critics argue the new legislation won’t help women who are most vulnerable and could make abusive situations even more dangerous for pregnant women.

Utah appears to be the first state to mandate prenatal child support, according to the state’s Planned Parenthood association and the bill’s sponsor. But a few states, including Wisconsin and New York, have provisions that can result in fathers being financially responsible for pre-birth expenses.

Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, recently signed the proposal, which received widespread support in the GOP-controlled Legislature.




Read more: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/fathers-in-utah-to-be-required-to-pay-half-of-pregnancy-costs

[Walleye]

1. Let's not give the sperm donors anymore control over women's lives

As a feminist, I’m not really sure mandated child support is a good idea.

[CrispyQ]

8. Wow. We hold a minority view on this topic.

I have to say I'm really surprised how many think this is a good idea. Maybe I'll post over in the feminists forum & see if the reaction is different. ???

[Walleye]

9. I've been a feminist all my life. Men should mind their own business

If they don’t want to help take care of a child, forcing them will not work.

[CrispyQ]

2. I'm opposed to this idea.

It will be used to argue more control over women's pre-birth decisions.

[Lettuce Be]

3. This is brilliant -- next child support starts at conception

I've been whining about this for awhile now. If they want to control women's bodies, they need to also step up and start paying support from conception. There are so many costs associated with a pregnancy, doctor's visits, prenatal vitamins, sometimes bed rest or hospitalization. All the costs in support child birth must be paid by both parties. Why has this taken so long to become a thing?

[BradAllison]

5. It's Utah, which makes me suspicious there's something else behind it. (n/m)

[Claire Oh Nette]

11. Polygamy

Wife #1 gets husband's medical benefits.
sister wives #2, #3, #4 are all single mothers in the eyes of th estate and apply for WIC, SNAP, Medicaid.

That's my guess.

[roamer65]

4. I agree with this one.

If you make one, you should have to pay your fair share.

[Vinca]

6. If this happens to become a trend in red states, it could mean an end to abortion laws.

Hold right wing men accountable via the wallet and suddenly it hits home that this isn't a political game and they have no right to control the personal decisions of women.

[Walleye]

10. What if they refuse to pay?

Abortion laws are never about the baby anyway

[TomSlick]

7. This may be the first statute like this but

Under common law part of a paternity action would be a request to require the father to pay "lying-in expenses" - prenatal care.